Composer Geoff Knorr — known for his work on the Civilization series and other large-scale game soundtracks — joins us for a deep conversation about creativity, discipline, and what it really takes to build a life in music.

We discuss learning to accept criticism, letting go of ideas that don’t work, why good music can still be the wrong music, and why some composers grow while others stay stuck. Drawing from Geoff’s experience composing for major games, teaching at the Peabody Institute, and collaborating with musicians across diverse musical traditions, the conversation explores humility, perspective, and long-term creative growth.

The episode also touches on health, sustainability, and discipline — from staying physically active as a composer to recognizing that music is simply too hard to pursue unless you genuinely love it.

GEOFF KNORR LINKS:

Website: https://www.geoffknorr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KnorrMusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OFCjpSAsyIOWWzIAYb3OI?si=_eoobKhuQTSmDIWa4DYmjg

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/geoff-knorr/411130469

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geoff.knorr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Geoff-Knorr-Composer/174736382555080

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:08) Introduction

(00:02:16) Growing Up, Family, and Early Influences

(00:08:32) Sports, Discipline, Health & Longevity as a Composer

(00:13:19) Failure, Hard Work & Lessons From Sports

(00:16:37) Subjectivity, Criticism & Facing Reality in Music

(00:23:14) Letting Go of Music That Doesn’t Work

(00:27:19) Teaching, Mediocrity & Why Some Musicians Don’t Improve

(00:34:15) Game Music Reality: Serving the Vision (Beyond Earth)

(00:38:19) Technology, Early MIDI & Audio Foundations

(00:45:33) Collaboration, Culture & Working With Musicians

(00:51:35) Childhood, Encouragement & Learning to Love Music

(00:56:05) Classical Foundations, Bach & Musical Identity

(01:01:04) Why Music Is Too Hard If You Don’t Love It

(01:05:11) Video Games, Direction & Choosing a Career Path

(01:16:10) Studying Composition, Recording & Wearing Both Hats

(01:30:10) Composing Process: Score, DAW & Sample Libraries

(01:46:00) Improvisation, Structure & Non-Western Traditions

(02:02:10) Trust, Sensitivity & Recording Real Musicians

(02:18:40) Sound vs Notes: Where Music Actually Lives

(02:36:00) Experience, Speed & Long-Term Creative Thinking

(02:57:30) What Keeps You Going (Final Reflections)